Former Twin Delmon Young hits go-ahead run in Game 1 of ALCS
By Paula Minell
Oct 13, 2012; Bronx, NY, USA; Detroit Tigers designated hitter Delmon Young (21) hits a solo home run against the New York Yankees in the 8th inning during game one of the 2012 ALCS at Yankee Stadium. Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Delmon Young, former left-fielder for the Minnesota Twins, hit an RBI double in the twelfth inning of Game 1 of the ALCS to put the Detroit Tigers in front of the New York Yankees 5-4. The Tigers went on to win the game 6-4 over the Bronx Bombers, who had rallied from 4-0 in the ninth to send the game into extras. The clutch hit had many Minnesota Twins fans shaking their heads and pondering another inexplicable moment of Young’s brilliance in what has sometimes been a career of mediocrity.
Young was traded to the Tigers in 2011, a trade which culminated in a funny incident where Young actually rode the Twins‘ bus to to Comerica Park. Many Twins fans rejoiced that Young was gone, as he is generally considered by Twins fans to be a player known for laziness, taking plays off, and not living up to his potential. When he performs well for his new team, all Minnesota Twins fans can do is shake their heads and assume Young will botch a play tomorrow.
Game 1 of the ALCS contained several dramatic moments, including a third and record-setting postseason home run from Raul Ibanez to tie the game in the ninth, and a ninth-inning meltdown by Tigers’ closer José Valverde. However, all other dramatic, game-changing plays were lost in the postgame conversation, which centered around Derek Jeter. Following Young’s double, Jeter awkwardly fielded a grounder off the bat of Jhonny Peralta. Jeter fell to the ground, unable to get up, and tossed the ball toward second base. Unable to put weight on his left leg, Jeter was assisted off the field. Joe Girardi’s postgame press conference revealed that Jeter suffered a season-ending fracture.
With Jeter out and the Yankees scrambling to adjust their lineup, it remains to be seen whether the Tigers can take advantage of the Yankee’s weakness and strike early. While the Tigers hope that Young will provide clutch hits in the days to come, many Twins fans suggest that the Tigers don’t hold their breaths.